In memoriam: Paulo Pinheiro

11.07.2024

With immense shock and dismay, we have learned this morning of the sudden passing away, at the early age of 52 and after a short illness, of Paulo Pinheiro, founder and Chairman of the Autódromo do Algarve.

A true motorsport lover, an engineer, and a racer himself, Paulo was the person who had the vision and energy to dream and bring to reality the Autódromo do Algarve in Portimão, one of the most beautiful tracks in Europe, which over the years has grown up to hosting MotoGP and F.1 and to an engine for economic and innovation activity that benefits an entire community.

“Paulo Pinheiro was a true friend of GT Sport, our series, and all of us personally”, said Jesús Pareja, CEO of GT Sport, “We have always been delighted to visit the Autódromo do Algarve year after year and built with Paulo a long-standing friendship. His passion, vision, and energy allowed him to materialize the dream of building a track in the Algarve and he contributed greatly to motorsport, the region, and Portugal, a country so close to our hearts.”

In this moment of great sorrow, GT Sport extends to his family its most heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, his many friends, and all of our colleagues at the Autodrómo.